Concept:French colonial policy in West Africa was built on direct, centralised control from Paris.
Explanation:France treated her West African colonies as overseas provinces.
All major policy decisions were taken in Paris or by the Governor-General in Dakar.
The colonies had no meaningful local autonomy.
This system was highly centralised and different from British indirect rule.
The British allowed traditional rulers to govern locally under supervision.
The French instead appointed administrators to enforce uniform laws across all colonies.
Therefore, the pattern of French rule was direct and top-down, not decentralised or consultative.
Answer:B. centralised